清康熙 竹雕竹林七賢圖筆筒 《竹林七賢圖》 《康熙丁未》款

of eliptic form, carved with a continuous scene depicting the Seven Scholars of the Bamboo Grove engage in various pursuits, playing the zither, gathered around a table over a game of chess, another sage sitting reclusively near two attendants preparing tea, incised with an inscription reading zhu lin qi xian tu (‘Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove’), dated to the dingwei year of Kangxi (1677) and illegibly signed with seal, the bamboo of a warm brown colour, mounted with a wood rim and four-footed base

The brushpot is generally in good condition and bears a fine patina. The rim and foot have been later mounted with a dark hardwood as visible on the photo. The wood mount encircling the mouthrim is broken in one place. There are few expected age cracks extending from the rim and up the foot, some slightly opening. There is some expected surface wear or light scratches, as well as a few occasional typical dents or nicks to the carving.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This brushpot is carved with the favoured Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove motif, a group of scholars of the Wei dynasty (220-265) who had renounced their official status and career in protest against corruption. They advocated freedom of individual beliefs which were inspired by Daoist philosophy. The seven sages, pictured gathered amidst a bamboo grove drinking, composing poetry and enjoying each other’s company, came to represent scholars disenchanted with official policies and are symbols of an incorruptible scholar. The popularity of the subject throughout Chinese history is reflected in its reproduction on a variety of media, such as porcelain, jade and paintings.